Forrest Fleischman

Forrest Fleischman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Resources at the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on natural resource policy, governance, and political ecology, with particular emphasis on environmental justice, urban environmental issues in Minnesota, and global south contexts like India and Mexico. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Indiana University (2012) and dual MS/BS degrees in Earth Systems from Stanford University (2003).

• Education:
• PhD, Public Policy, Indiana University Bloomington, 2012
• MS & BS, Earth Systems, Stanford University, 2003

His work bridges policy analysis and ecological restoration, examining intersections of scientific knowledge, civic engagement, and bureaucratic decision-making. Fleischman has held prior positions at Texas A&M University and Dartmouth College, contributing to the SESMAD framework under Elinor Ostrom's mentorship. His methodologies include ethnography, comparative case studies, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Research emphases include forest policy implementation, mechanisms of environmental policy change, and institutional dynamics in resource management. Current projects address urban nature governance in Minnesota and global restoration efforts in tropical regions.